Excursions in Mathematics (Math 103)
Instructor: M. Kate Kearney
E-Mail: kearney@gonzaga.edu
Office Number: Herak 227B
Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 MF, 9:00-11:00 T (9-10 in Math lab) or by appointment

Homework and an approximate course schedule is posted here.

Course Announcements:


Useful links:
Course description:
An elementary survey of various mathematical areas such as algebra, geometry, counting (permutations, combinations), probability, and other topics selected by the instructor. This course is intended for the liberal arts student not pursuing business or the sciences.


This course meets the following learning outcomes:
At the completion of this course, students will be able to
• appreciate the value of mathematics as a tool to understand the world around them.
• approach mathematics with confidence and curiousity.
• recognize that mathematics is a broad area and can appear in many different forms.
Class meets MWF 8:00-8:50 am in PACCAR 103. In accordance with Gonzaga's attendance policy you should not miss more than 6 meetings of this course.

We will be using the book Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach, by Bennett and Briggs, Seventh Edition.

Grades will be assigned based on the following:
Homework and Quizzes20%
Participation and Presentation30%
Exams50%

• Homework will be assigned daily along with readings for the following class period. Homework assignments will be announced in class and subsequently posted on this webpage. Homework is for your benefit to practice and better understand the material discussed. You will often have time during class to discuss questions on homework or to work with classmates on homework problems. Homework will be graded on completion only. You will receive one point per assignment for assignments turned in by the given deadline. Late work will be accepted for one week past the deadline for a half point.

• Quizzes will be given regularly as a checkpoint for understanding of material. They will often be similar or identical to homework problems from the previous section, but may also ask you to explore a new idea. There will be no make ups for quizzes, however your lowest 3 quiz scores will be dropped at the end of the semester to allow for a small number of missed quizzes.

• Participation Your active participation in daily discussions is imperative to the success of this class. You will begin the semester with 10 points for participation. Attendance will be taken daily and a half point will be deducted for each absence (I also follow the University's attendance policy: see below). I also reserve the right to deduct points for lack of engagement in discussions or lack of preparedness for class. If your participation is a problem I will talk to you about it.

• Presentations Over the course of the semester, we will discuss examples of math that we encounter in the world. Once per week there will be an opportunity for you to bring in an example to share with the class in our discussions. You are required to present an example three times over the course of the semester. These can occur at any point in the semester (maximum one per week per student) as time allows. We will generally have time in class each Friday for presentations and discussion. Generally you can expect full credit for each time you present, although if your presentation is lacking I may ask you to complete an additional presentation.

• Exams We will have several midterm exams (approximately one per chapter) as well as a (cumulative) final. You will be tested over the basic mathematical concepts we develop. The exams may include problems you have already seen in your homework as well as some new problems. Exams are intended to serve as a check-point for conceptual understanding.

Exam dates will be confirmed at least two weeks prior to the exam. Make-ups must be confirmed with your Professor at least 24 hours prior to the exam.

Final Exam will be held as scheduled by the University on Tuesday, Dec 10, 8-10 am.
Makeup Examinations
Make up exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor. You must have approval from your instructor to take a make up exam.

Academic Integrity
While collaboration and good use of resources are important for the learning process, you are expected to complete all your work on your own. You may talk with other people about how to solve homework problems, but your write-up should be done individually. Quizzes and tests are strictly your own work and any evidence of sources outside your own brain will be considered cheating. Sharing your work inappropriately with another student is also considered cheating.

Any cases of cheating will be dealt with seriously. You will be asked to meet with me and the math department chair. Severe cases may result in failure of the course and will be reported to the Dean.

Please refer to the student handbook for a description of the University's Academic Honesty policy.


A NOTE ON HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT:

Consistent with its mission, Gonzaga seeks to assure all community members learn and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Title VII, Title IX and Gonzaga's policy prohibit harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct. Gonzaga encourages anyone experiencing harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct to talk to someone from the Campus and Local Resources list found in the Student Code of Conduct Website: http://www.gonzaga.edu/Student-Life/Community-Standards/Student-Code-of-Conduct.asp about what happened so they can get the support they need and Gonzaga can respond appropriately. There are both confidential and non-confidential resources and reporting options available to you. Gonzaga is legally obligated to respond to reports of sexual misconduct, and therefore we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of a report, unless made to a confidential resource. Responses may vary from support services to formal investigations. As a faculty member, I am required to report incidents of sexual misconduct and thus cannot guarantee confidentiality. I must provide our Title IX coordinator with relevant details such as the names of those involved in the incident. For more information about policies and resources or reporting options, please visit the following websites: www.gonzaga.edu/eo and www.gonzaga.edu/titleix.

NOTICE TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES/MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides reasonable accommodation for their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability/medical condition requiring an accommodation, please call or visit the Disability Access office (room 208 Foley Library, 509-313-4134).

CLASS ATTENDANCE:

I follow strictly the university's standard policy on absences: the maximum allowable absence is two class hours (100 minutes) for each class credit. For a three-credit class meeting three times a week, the maximum number of absences allowed is six. For a three-credit class meeting twice a week, the maximum number of absences allowed is four. The grade for excessive absences is "V", which has the same effect as "F" (Fail) and is counted in the GPA. (See also "Class Attendance Policy" online catalogue: Absence Policy)

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS:

In compliance with Washington State law (RCW 28.10.039), it is the policy of Gonzaga University to reasonably accommodate students who, due to the observance of religious holidays, expect to be absent or endure a significant hardship during certain days of their academic course or program. The Policy on Religious Accommodations for Students describes procedures for students requesting a Religious Accommodation and for faculty responding to such a request.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

Academic honesty is expected of all Gonzaga University students. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and theft. Any student found guilty of academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, (1) a failing grade for the test or assignment in question, (2) a failing grade for the course, or (3) a recommendation for dismissal from the University. (See also: "Academic Honesty" )

COURSE EVALUATION:

At Gonzaga, we take teaching seriously, and we ask our students to evaluate their courses and instructors so that we can provide the best possible learning experience. In that spirit, we ask students to give us feedback on their classroom experience near the end of the semester. I will ask you to take a few minutes then to carry out course/instructor evaluation on-line. Please know that I appreciate your participation in this process. This is a vital part of our efforts at Gonzaga to improve continually our teaching, our academic programs, and our entire educational effort.